Minister for Tourism Leon Bignell, Neil Mossop, The Hon. Premier Jay Weatherill, Stephen Prosser, Hans Ehmann, James Young, Tony Gauci and Jeevan Deut.
Port Adelaide is set to receive its largest major development commitment in 45 years with construction beginning today on part one of the project, the $25 million development of the new Quest Apartment Hotel.
Premier of South Australia, the Hon. Jay Weatherill was on site to perform the official turning of the sod ceremony alongside developer Hans Ehmann, Smith Group and General Manager Brand for Quest Apartment Hotels, Tony Gauci.
“The new Quest Apartment Hotel will be a great addition to historic Port Adelaide, one of our city’s great tourist experiences,” Weatherill said.
“The Port is gaining momentum and this project is a significant step towards the area’s transformation into a more vibrant precinct for locals and visitors.
“People staying at these apartments will be able to soak in South Australia’s colonial history, see dolphins in the Port River and experience the new weekend markets at Hart’s Mill.
“I congratulate Mr Ehmann, the Smith Group and Quest on their investment, one that will create jobs and economic activity in the heart of our Port.”
Quest Port Adelaide will feature 103 apartments over five levels, comprising studio, one, two and three bedroom configurations. The development also includes on-site parking, a conference room and gym. The Quest property will be located at 106 Nelson St in Port Adelaide and is expected to open in September 2016.
Located within the iconic Fisherman’s Warf precinct, Quest Port Adelaide will provide much sought after brand new apartment hotel accommodation for corporate travellers as well as leisure and business tourism traffic to the region.
The historic port of Adelaide remains a critical industrial and transport hub for South Australia and offers lively cafes, shops and restaurants and along with the cultural and leisure activities, provides a rich and rewarding experience.
Tony Gauci from Quest Apartment Hotels said Quest was thrilled to be part of the Port Adelaide development plan and this growth reflected the company’s strategy for expansion.
“Quest is committed to providing adaptable, superior accommodation options in locations with potential for strong growth and high traffic,” Gauci said.
“With over 7,000 industrial and commercial enterprises in the area and strong growth in the Health Care, Defense, Education and Training, Transport and Retail industries, Port Adelaide is an ideal location for our 7th Quest property in South Australia.”
Hans Ehmann, Managing Director of Smith Group said Quest’s presence in the area will spark immediate interest and drive traffic to the historic shipping and industrial harbour.
“The port of Adelaide is the last remaining central location that remains untouched. What’s more, there are no developments of its size going on anywhere else in the state, making it the focal point for commercial growth,” he said.
“This waterfront development presents an opportunity to transform the area from a historic, industrial shell to a contemporary, multipurpose urban arena with a strong local economy and promising activity complex.”